Historically and Architecturally Significant Homes in San Antonio.

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Craftsman Bungalow in Historic Tobin Hill

Historic Tobin Hill 4-2 Craftsman Bungalow 
A sneak peek before everyone else!
Historically and Architecturally Significant San Antonio Vintage Homes
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Battered Piers resting on Brick Podiums

Architectural Analysis

By: Architectural Historian Shelley Roff, Ph.D.

Why did the chicken cross the road? To get to the other side.. and hoping you might give them a little treat, if you buy this classic Craftsman Bungalow on 614, East Park Street in Tobin Hill.

If you see a posse of chickens running loose in this neighborhood, just remember, the neighbors consider them to be adopted pets. Friendly, local charm characterizes both this neighborhood and our historic bungalow.

The house's most eye-catching features are the gabled roofs that emerge from the roofline and fold downward, like a folded sheet in origami, and the five battered wood piers that line the porch and porte cochère. The battered piers, which rest on brick podiums, uphold the long horizontal beams of the roof. These beams, spanning over twenty feet per member, are one of the remarkable characteristics of a house built in 1922.

Most houses in San Antonio were built with dense hardwoods and balloon frame construction, up until the Depression. Old growth trees provided solid, insect-resistant beams and columns for the construction of our historic neighborhoods; a kind of wood that cannot be purchased today.

Around the side of the house you can see the original stepped-brick fireplace, which has been recently renovated inside. A detached "auto barn" (garage) and servant's quarters are in the back, a modernizing feature for the time. There is also a limestone well in the backyard that may pre-date the construction of this house.

Stepping inside the house, one is greeted by many scenes of "local character". The original molded baseboards, doors and window frames, and ceiling molding give the house that historic bungalow look. The house has many built-ins, which add to the house's character: Bookshelves are tucked into the niche of the wall that separates the living room from the study and are added to several bedrooms.

Matching built-in bookshelves are built on either side of the entry from a side porch in to the study, which is surmounted by a low broad arch, which portrays a beautiful painting of a peacock done by local artist Roch Babin.

Continuing with the theme of "local character", a later resident was reputedly the family who owned the La Prensa newspaper. I am assuming that they were responsible for the renovation of the house's central ballroom in stucco with niches for sculpture or candles and for the two Mexican tile artworks embedded in the walls.

614 East Park History with Images

Greetings!

614 East Park Wow. Talk about an impressive front porch!

I am committed to sending you my listings before they go to MLS so you and those you care about have first dibs on these homes.

I would much rather work with someone who "gets" these vintage homes and neighborhoods than with someone who calls from an ad.

That's where you come in... You like neat old homes, so I am counting on you to forward this on to others who are into front porches, hardwood floors and centrally-located neighborhoods.

So... who comes to mind for this rambling, happy Craftsman Bungalow? Give us a call!

Joe Barfield
210-745-0892
The Joe Barfield Group of Keller Williams
Historic Tobin Hill 4-2 Craftsman Bungalow - $210,000


Living Room
Living Room

An impressive Arts & Crafts Bungalow on large lot in Historic Tobin Hill.

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Walkable Neighborhood (77 out 100 is great for S.A.!)

Walkscore TileTobin Hill is a charming historic district located just east of Monte Vista. It is a quick hop downtown, US 281 and other historic neighborhoods. A very walkable neighborhood, Tobin Hill / Monte Vista has great restaurants, bars, libraries (.4 miles) and parks including the Brackenridge Park within a mile.

It's a quick dash to San Antonio College, Trinity University and University of the Incarnate Word. Main Library, Central Market, Whole Foods and the Quarry Mall are all located in close proximity. La Fonda, Justin's Ice Cream and Caparelli's are all less than .2 miles. El Milagrito and Demo's Greek Food are also nearby. The Keystone School & St. Anthony's are within a mile.


Don't forget the best sandwiches in San Antonio, plus Jack Phung makes some mighty fine Pho at Saigon Express!


Some Wonderful Memories


Dining Room
Dining Room

The current owner, Diane Hegland, shares her favorite memories of 614 East Park Street.

  • I love living on Park Ave. when I first moved here, I would come home from work, sit on a rocking chair on the front porch and think "I love my house". I did this daily for a long long time.
  • It was such a pleasure driving to & from work, only 5 minutes away! This is such an eclectic neighborhood, the architecture, the people, the restaurants, it's absolutely wonderful!
  • The Riverwalk is being extended & the Pearl Brewery is almost complete, both within walking distance.
  • Since my house is centrally located, it has become a meeting place among my friends. Every year during Fiesta, we meet at the house and then walk to our seats near Maverick Park for the Night Parade. We also meet at the house when we have tickets to the Majestic or Cameo Theaters. Anytime there is a group of us getting together, this is the place to meet!
  • It's a great house for entertaining, plenty of room, both indoors & out.
  • My grandkids love coming to grandma's house. They like visiting Brackenridge Park, and we bought memberships to the Zoo, and the Witte Museum. The house is so large, there is lots of room to run & play. Every Christmas the grandkids & I would put up four trees! One Christmas Santa brought the kids Plasma Cars, they drove from the library through the living room, hallway, kitchen, dining room and back again. In the summer we would have picnics in the backyard, where there is room for pinatas, barbecues & games. The grandkids also loved going swimming at nearby San Pedro Springs.
  • I love the fact that I can get anywhere fast. All of the major freeways are just minutes away. So whether you are heading to Sea World, Fiesta Texas, Brooks City Base, the Forum or the Quarry, it's just a short drive away.

Please don't hesitate to respond to this email or call me or my team if you or someone you know might be interested in this home.

Sincerely,

Joe Barfield

The Joe Barfield Group of Keller Williams Realty
homes@joebarfield.com
210-745-0892

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The architectural write-up is provided by Dr. Roff. Any reference to families is strictly academic. The Joe Barfield Group embraces all Equal Opportunity Housing Laws.
© Copyright 2008 All rights Reserved, Joe Barfield.

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